Botanical Glossary - Home

Celestrina Ladon Male Spring Azure butterflies flocking around a seepage area sucking up moisture at Twin One Recreation Site about 6 kilometers south of Lillooet Lake head (near Mount Currie BC). The relatively short life of the adult Spring Azure (about 2 weeks) drives the males out into the sunlight to search for females in order mate and complete their life cycle.

The spring brood have a deep silvery blue-violet wing color above and a slate gray, black checkered pattern along the upper wing boarder and variable black hind wing spotting on the interior with marginal spotting. These colorful butterflies are found widespread in open deciduous woods, roadsides, and bushy areas from sea level to mountainous regions.

Spring Azure butterflies have the distinction of signaling the return of warm weather to our temperate zone. By the time late May rolls around, the last of the spring brood are looking drab, gray and weather beaten.